Most organizations today recognize the numerous cybersecurity threats they face. While their priorities may vary when addressing these risks, they typically implement similar foundational security measures to protect their systems and data.
Organizations that concentrate solely on the most obvious threats, such as data breaches and ransomware attacks, may inadvertently overlook critical security gaps. While some of these gaps might seem minor, neglecting them can create vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can easily exploit.
In this article, we’ll identify three of the most commonly overlooked security risks, along with some proactive steps to address them.
1. The Human Element
It can be said that the greatest vulnerability to a cybersecurity system is the users. Technology is extremely important in safeguarding and protecting business assets, but an organization’s employees can also become a significant security threat – whether on purpose or accidentally. Trying to close these gaps efficiently is vital to security resilience.
Purposeful Insider Threats
Some employees may want to take advantage of their level of access to steal company data for personal gain or to cause reputational damage. When employees have detailed knowledge of the company they work for, it’s typically more manageable for them to circumvent the security that’s in place. If employees are granted too much access than what they need for their job functions, this can also create additional opportunities for abuse.
To mitigate these harmful actions from within the organization, a combination of access restrictions, strict network usage policies, and the right organizational culture is critical.
Accidental Insider Threats
Regardless of intent, human error can also undermine security measures. For instance, using easy-to-remember and repeat passwords across multiple accounts dramatically increases security vulnerabilities. Repeated use of weak passwords, along with poor storage practices, only exacerbates the problem.
In the same way, negligence or a lack of training can lead to poor setups of systems or software, which leaves new entry points for attackers.
Providing comprehensive training programs on cybersecurity best practices can greatly help mitigate these unintentional mistakes from happening and keep the business safer. Engaging with penetration testing services provides valuable insights into your threat landscape, helping you better understand the risks your business faces.
These services enable an ethical hacking team to launch simulated attacks against systems and networks to identify where vulnerabilities exist and how they can be eliminated.
2. Shadow IT and Ungoverned Assets
Aside from the technology IT departments take care of, many companies also have to contend with “Shadow IT.” These are the tools and systems adopted by users without company knowledge. While they may be helpful, these unsanctioned solutions can introduce new cybersecurity threats to the business.
The Security Risks of Shadow IT
The major concern with Shadow IT is that it functions without supervision. These tools and systems aren’t maintained and protected with the same safeguards as other approved solutions. The risks this introduces include:
- Missing Security Updates – Most unauthorized software or hardware lack enterprise-level security and can be defenseless against well-known exploits.
- Unsecured Data – Data used in a Shadow IT ecosystem will most likely not be encrypted and or following the company’s data protection protocols, which leads to greater susceptibility to breaches.
- Compliance Issues – Shadow IT brings with it a greater risk of data security and compliance breaches, which can be damaging both financially and reputationally for businesses.
Finding and Managing Shadow IT
To combat Shadow IT, the first thing to do is assess how prevalent it is in the organization. This requires a mix of research and good communication skills.
Working with specialists in network monitoring can help you locate the devices and applications that are being used without authorization to access the company network. This can help to narrow down where additional gaps in security might be coming from.
To effectively address this issue, collaborate with employees to understand their technology needs and the reasons behind using unsanctioned tools. Discuss their challenges and explore approved, secure alternatives that meet their requirements while maintaining security.
After pinpointing the amount of Shadow IT, the next step is estimating the security risks involved. In some cases, tools may still be allowed to be used so long as the IT department maintains them. You should also document policies and procedures covering the minimum acceptable use of technology, including business rules surrounding cloud services or the use of personal devices.
3. Supply Chain and Third-Party Risks
A network of vendors, suppliers, and partners is common for many organizations to have in order to keep their operations running smoothly. However, with these relationships comes a level of risk to cybersecurity that’s many times beyond an organization’s control.
Interconnected Relationships and Exposure.
It’s important to think of your supply chain as one entity that is part of many interrelated units. Because of the interconnected nature of these relationships, a security incident with your vendor could become a challenge for you as well. A security breach within a partner’s infrastructure could make the security of your company data collateral damage.
Company partnerships can significantly increase your overall attack surface for cybercriminals. Anywhere in your supply chain where there is a weak link is a potential exploitable entry point for cyber attackers.
Identifying and Dealing with Risks Related to a Third Party
Third-party and supply chain risks must be handled strategically and should be viewed as a continuous process rather than a one-off initiative. Thoroughly assess all partnerships before signing any contracts. This involves creating documented policies on security best practices and examining how they manage data. You’ll also want to check that they have up-to-date incident response plans and maintain any relevant compliance certifications.
At the very minimum, all contracts and SLAs should articulate both the expected security standards and any responsibilities both parties have in the event of a cyber breach. Don’t leave anything vague. You’ll also want to monitor and assess your third-party vendor’s security system over the entire life cycle of your relationship through regular vendor assessments.
Look Below the Surface
A great cybersecurity strategy means more than just mitigating well-known cyber risks. It also involves looking at less-than-obvious vulnerabilities that can easily be introduced into the business over time. By following the guidelines discussed, you’ll be able to strengthen the resilience of your business security while minimizing risks that originate in and outside your organization.
